Owner Katharina Liebherr has assumed the chair position in a non-executive capacity since Cortese's decision to leave, which Jeremy Wilson and Jason Burt of TheTelegraphsay is due to the German's decision to sell the club.

The pair write:

Chelsea, who on Wednesday completed the £22 million signing of Nemanja Matic, will hope that their hand is strengthened by the possibility of using Ryan Bertrand as part of any transfer.

Ashley Cole has been struggling at Chelsea of late but the arrival of Shaw would not necessarily signal the end of his career at the club.

Shaw has long been admired by Chelsea. It only helps Mourinho's case that his target has been a fan of the West London outfit since childhood:

The 18-year-old is being tipped for a bright future on both the club and international stages, with Ashley Cole's contract at Stamford Bridge once again reaching its end this summer.

Is Shaw good enough to govern a starting spot at Chelsea?

Yes, Cole's departure is timed perfectly.No, he needs to continue developing at Southampton.He's good enough, but he should stay at St Mary's regardless.Submit Votevote to see results

Is Shaw good enough to govern a starting spot at Chelsea?

Yes, Cole's departure is timed perfectly.

60.3%

No, he needs to continue developing at Southampton.

19.3%

He's good enough, but he should stay at St Mary's regardless.

20.4%

Total votes: 814

Shaw is reportedly looked upon as the highest priority on the list of replacements for the 33-year-old, and the England national team could yet come to benefit from the teenager's services.

With so much change occurring at Southampton, the Blues would be wise to take advantage of the situation.

Wilson and Burt add that the likes of Jay Rodriguez, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Morgan Schneiderlin and DejanLovren will also be attracting the attention of European suitors as a result of recent news.

Shaw has started in 18 of his side's 21 matches so far this term, helping Mauricio Pochettino's side to enjoy an impressive first half of the Premier League campaign.

The Argentine manager will be keen to hang on to his starlet's services, but Chelsea are set to test the club's resolve during this mini-crisis.